betweencoversandkindles 's review for:

Chinese Parents Don't Say I Love You: A Memoir of Saying the Unsayable with Food by Candice Chung

3.5

lighthearted fast-paced

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Chinese Parents Don’t Say I Love You is a tender exploration of family, culture, and the unspoken ways we show love. Through food, some shared some alone, Candice Chung chronicles a specific period in her life when, after the end of a long-term relationship, she attempts to reconnect with her estranged Cantonese parents.

Written in a creative non-fiction style, this memoir is unlike most. It's non-linear fashion it is capturing the emotional ebb and flow of healing, dating, and rebuilding family bonds. The non-traditional structure is a refreshing take and suits the introspective, fragmented nature of the story she’s telling.

While the book touches on food as a bridge between past and present, readers looking for vivid, detailed food writing might find it a little light. Similarly, at times I wished for more personal depth particularly around her relationship with her parents as the title suggests. 

Still, there's an undeniable warmth in Chung’s voice and a realness in the way she portrays complicated family love. It’s a gentle, thoughtful read that embraces the imperfect, non-verbal ways we try to connect with those who matter most. Overall a lovely read. 

Thanks to NetGalley and Elliott Thompson for the ARC!